Abstract: An optical encoder includes a light source, a light sensor array, and a code disk having a data track and a commutation pattern. The commutation pattern includes first, second, and third commutation tracks, each including a series of apertures configured to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a respective light sensor of the light sensor array as the series of apertures passes over the first light sensor. The relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a commutation sequence of a brushless motor.

Abstract: An encoder includes a rotor including: a shaft and a code disk attached to the shaft; a stator including a scanning unit configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an angular position of the code disk; a cable configured to transfer the electrical signal; and a cover overmolded onto the stator, where the scanning unit is sealed from an outer environment by the cover.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a light source, a light sensor array, and a code disk having a data track and a commutation pattern. The commutation pattern includes first, second, and third commutation tracks, each including a series of apertures configured to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a respective light sensor of the light sensor array as the series of apertures passes over the first light sensor. The relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a commutation sequence of a brushless motor.

Abstract: An encoder device includes: an encoder base; a hub rotatably arranged in the encoder base and arranged to carry an encoder disk; and an alignment device arranged to urge the hub into a predetermined axial and radial position relative to a portion of the housing, the alignment device including a contact portion arranged to contact an axial surface of the encoder base, a locating structure arranged to maintain the alignment device in a predefined radial position, a flange structure arranged to contact an axial surface of the hub and a circumferential portion of the hub, and a spring structure arranged to urge the hub axially toward the flange element, where the alignment device urges the hub into a predetermined axial and radial position relative to a portion of the encoder base, and the spring structure contacts the hub so as to form a detent, the detent allowing the alignment device to be removed from the hub by pulling the alignment device axially away from the hub.

Abstract: An encoder includes a rotor including: a shaft and a code disk attached to the shaft; a stator including a scanning unit configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an angular position of the code disk; a cable configured to transfer the electrical signal; and a cover overmolded onto the stator, where the scanning unit is sealed from an outer environment by the cover.

Abstract: A simplified mechanism for rotationally aligning and gapping a pattern wheel with respect to a stationary mask are provided as part of a modular optical shaft encoder in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, the present invention includes a simplified method of connecting and aligning a modular encoder to a shaft. A radial alignment mechanism is provided between engagement surfaces of the hub of the pattern wheel and the encoder housing for independently providing radial alignment. The engagement surfaces are designed so that as the surfaces are urged into engagement with one another, the encoder housing (and thus the mask pattern) becomes radially aligned to the pattern wheel (and specifically its pattern). As an independent functional mechanism, a linear cam member is utilized for gapping the hub of the pattern wheel and thus the pattern thereon to the stationary mask pattern.